Barktoberfest brings families, pets together

A pug dressed in a tutu and a pit bull in a kissing booth were just two of the many dogs that drew smiles Saturday during Orange County Animal Services' third annual Barktoberfest event.

Other breeds including Shar-Peis, beagles and golden retrievers — as well as lovable mutts — mingled with animal rescuers and dog lovers at Lake Eola Park as hundreds of people tried finding the perfect pet for their family.

"We are trying to match the dogs with the right person based on their lifestyle," said Nate Provost, Tampa Bay Beagle Rescue foster coordinator.

Provost, who has been helping homeless beagles for three years, said the organization takes several steps when matching dogs including a vet check, a landlord interview and a 30- to 60-minute telephone or in-person interview with a potential future owner.

Matt and Katie Shapiro of Oviedo found their 2-year-old lemon beagle, Lucky, a new best friend at Provost's booth during Barktoberfest. The couple won't be taking 3-year-old Niegel home until Provost speaks with their vet, but the couple put down a deposit and let Lucky and Niegel frolic in the park.

The couple chose another beagle because "they are just wonderful dogs and are sweet to everyone," Matt Shapiro said.

All of the animals available for adoption came from rescue groups that work closely with Animal Services.

"Barktoberfest is our way of saying thank you to the rescue groups for their dedication," Animal Services spokeswoman Dil Luther said.

Most rescue groups are staffed with unpaid volunteers who stay connected through Facebook, email and text messages while fostering and finding homes for 35 to 50 pets a month.

"There is no need to go to breeders," said Michelle Gass, Poodle and Pooch Rescue spokeswoman. "We have everything here — puppies, older dogs and all kinds of breeds."

Dresses, dog spas and microchips were also ready and waiting for the new adoptees at Barktoberfest.

Animal Rescue gave free microchips to the first 50 pets in line.

"I'm always afraid something is going to happen to them," said Robert Haromy of Sanford, who stood in line for 20 minutes to get free microchips put in his two previously adopted dogs — 3-year-old Lucy and 4-month-old Leo. "This way if they go missing it will be easy to find them."

Organizers attempted to find families for 75 pets but won't have an accurate count until Monday. Last year, they facilitated the adoption of 50 animals.